The Albion Island Settlement Pattern Project: Domination and Resistance in Early Classic Northern Belize

Abstract

Mapping and excavation on Albion Island in northern Belize produced evidence of one of the densest populations known for the Early Classic lowland Maya. The topography of the island suggests that apparent variation in the density of ancient buildings among archaeological sites may be partly the result of local variation in site formation processes. Contrasting patterns of ancient settlement, however between sites on Albion Island and sites on the mainland indicate that intersite variation is primarily the result of differences in ancient political economy that affected community organization.